New to Precision Rifles

[Dtown]

Hi Guys and Gals,

I'm very new to long-range precision and I have registered for my first Precision Rifle course which will be mid-August. I would like some recommendations on a starter bolt action rifle and certain items required for the course. I've done a little research and I actually wanted to get a Ruger Precision in .300 Win Mag or a Remington 700. Price is always an issue, especially when you start getting into the higher caliber but I personally want to a cartridge that is larger than my 7.62 or 5.56. I'm opening to any suggestion.

What is needed for the course:

• Rifle Bolt Action .308 caliber (or comparable) with sling and Bipod
• DATA/LOG Book
• Spotting scope or binoculars
• Cleaning kit
• Shooting Mat
• Sand Sock

Thank you for your time.
-Dtown

 

[shoot_steel17]

What are your shooting goals? After the course are you going to be hunting or shooting targets?

 

[shoot_steel17]

Rifle Bolt Action .308 caliber (or comparable) with sling and Bipod

If that is what your gear list says you may want to contact whoever is running your course and ask if Long Action calibers are accepted depending on what the course is tailored to. The .300 win mag and other LA calibers are commonly used for hunting or shooting at targets further than 1000 yards. If your goal is to compete in PRS and shoot at distances under 1000, more like tactical shooting than go with a Short Action caliber like the .308, 6.5 creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 6mm creedmoor etc. which the Ruger Precision Rifle offers all of these. SA calibers are still great for large game at reasonable distances.

A good scope will be one your biggest expenses. Do you already have a scope or one in mind?

For all your gear you are going to get 100 different answers. I encourage you to check out this site, it is data on the gear successful competitive precision rifle shooters are using.

What The Pros Use - PrecisionRifleBlog.com

This is hard data on what gear the long range rifle shooters in the country are using. Each year, we ask the top ranked precision rifle competitors about what equipment and gear they run (like cartridge, scope, stock, barrel, gunsmith, and a bunch of other items). These posts are the results of...

precisionrifleblog.com

One sling I recommend is Enhanced SS Loophole sling by Hog Saddle for tactical style shooting (tripods, barricades etc.)

Enhanced SS Loophole Sling

stores.hogsaddle.com

 

[King_beardsly]

You also want a caliber that's easy on the wallet/ easy to find if you're not planning on reloading it and shooting it a far bit. 300wm is fun but can take a toll on your wallet and shoulder after few range sessions or a full day course.

 

[TeamPOI]

If that is what your gear list says you may want to contact whoever is running your course and ask if Long Action calibers are accepted depending on what the course is tailored to. The .300 win mag and other LA calibers are commonly used for hunting or shooting at targets further than 1000 yards. If your goal is to compete in PRS and shoot at distances under 1000, more like tactical shooting than go with a Short Action caliber like the .308, 6.5 creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 6mm creedmoor etc. which the Ruger Precision Rifle offers all of these. SA calibers are still great for large game at reasonable distances.

A good scope will be one your biggest expenses. Do you already have a scope or one in mind?

For all your gear you are going to get 100 different answers. I encourage you to check out this site, it is data on the gear successful competitive precision rifle shooters are using.

What The Pros Use - PrecisionRifleBlog.com

This is hard data on what gear the long range rifle shooters in the country are using. Each year, we ask the top ranked precision rifle competitors about what equipment and gear they run (like cartridge, scope, stock, barrel, gunsmith, and a bunch of other items). These posts are the results of...

precisionrifleblog.com

One sling I recommend is Enhanced SS Loophole sling by Hog Saddle for tactical style shooting (tripods, barricades etc.)

Enhanced SS Loophole Sling

stores.hogsaddle.com

The scope is definitely a big expense! I would recommend a good bubble level (anti cant) or equivalent.

 

[TeamPOI]

Definitely want to make sure there is one, I didn't think either one of the options he put up come with one.

 

[Harman117]

Mid August is approaching fast, gonna be a little hectic getting everything in and setup PROPERLY.
Hopefully the course you are going to is a true beginner/starter course and they will help you with setting up the rifle and equipment.

Rifle: Don’t go magnum unless you need the stopping power for game. A modern Cartridge like the 6.5 Creedmoor will most likely serve you better. Pretty much anything .308 size will work for your needs (Assumption). Ruger precision rifle, Remington 700, Bergara HMR, Howa 1500, Tikka T3X CTR, etc.. are all solid rifles. You could pick ANY rifle that has adjustable features (length of pull/cheek height as minimum) and heavy barrel with the appropriate twist and be good to go.

For data books/notebooks, I like “Rite in the rain” products as an example. Doesn’t matter that much as I’m sure the instructor will show you how to use and setup. A notebook and pencils will probably be good enough.

Binos/spotting scope: I’d probably get binoculars. With either option try to get a ranging reticle in the units of your scope if possible. (MOA or MILS)

The Cleaning kit/Mat/Sand sock: What ever you want really, some products are designed for specific tasks or competitions. I would try to keep it as simple as possible. A plain mat with no padding, simple relatively small rear bag, and a basic cleaning kit. Do some quick research on any of them to see what most Hide users have and why.

OPTIC?: Not listed as a need, but probably the most important part. Spend as much as budget allows. There’s a bunch of existing threads and articles on scopes and features. Read as much as you can on them. Something like the good old SWFA SS fixed 10x would probably work and be a good starting point for now without getting into too much detail. SCOPE RINGS AND MOUNTS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TOO, avoid going cheap. Do your research.

Good luck,
And also contact the instuctor. He can probably guide you on what you need.

 

[Dtown]

If that is what your gear list says you may want to contact whoever is running your course and ask if Long Action calibers are accepted depending on what the course is tailored to. The .300 win mag and other LA calibers are commonly used for hunting or shooting at targets further than 1000 yards. If your goal is to compete in PRS and shoot at distances under 1000, more like tactical shooting than go with a Short Action caliber like the .308, 6.5 creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 6mm creedmoor etc. which the Ruger Precision Rifle offers all of these. SA calibers are still great for large game at reasonable distances.

A good scope will be one your biggest expenses. Do you already have a scope or one in mind?

For all your gear you are going to get 100 different answers. I encourage you to check out this site, it is data on the gear successful competitive precision rifle shooters are using.

What The Pros Use - PrecisionRifleBlog.com

This is hard data on what gear the long range rifle shooters in the country are using. Each year, we ask the top ranked precision rifle competitors about what equipment and gear they run (like cartridge, scope, stock, barrel, gunsmith, and a bunch of other items). These posts are the results of...

precisionrifleblog.com

One sling I recommend is Enhanced SS Loophole sling by Hog Saddle for tactical style shooting (tripods, barricades etc.)

Enhanced SS Loophole Sling

stores.hogsaddle.com

I apologize for the confusion barnesm44, I forgot to mentioned I asked the instruction if 300 Win Mag is okay and he already said yes. I plan to mainly be shooting at targets but I want to get in long-distance like 1500+ yards.

I do have a scope in mind. Swampfox Optics just recently released their Patriot Model in a 4-16 and 4-24. They also are launching their Kentucky Long models that start a 2-12 up to 5-30 beginning of August.

Thank you for the website and sling recommendation.

 

[Dtown]

Mid August is approaching fast, gonna be a little hectic getting everything in and setup PROPERLY.
Hopefully the course you are going to is a true beginner/starter course and they will help you with setting up the rifle and equipment.

Rifle: Don’t go magnum unless you need the stopping power for game. A modern Cartridge like the 6.5 Creedmoor will most likely serve you better. Pretty much anything .308 size will work for your needs (Assumption). Ruger precision rifle, Remington 700, Bergara HMR, Howa 1500, Tikka T3X CTR, etc.. are all solid rifles. You could pick ANY rifle that has adjustable features (length of pull/cheek height as minimum) and heavy barrel with the appropriate twist and be good to go.

For data books/notebooks, I like “Rite in the rain” products as an example. Doesn’t matter that much as I’m sure the instructor will show you how to use and setup. A notebook and pencils will probably be good enough.

Binos/spotting scope: I’d probably get binoculars. With either option try to get a ranging reticle in the units of your scope if possible. (MOA or MILS)

The Cleaning kit/Mat/Sand sock: What ever you want really, some products are designed for specific tasks or competitions. I would try to keep it as simple as possible. A plain mat with no padding, simple relatively small rear bag, and a basic cleaning kit. Do some quick research on any of them to see what most Hide users have and why.

OPTIC?: Not listed as a need, but probably the most important part. Spend as much as budget allows. There’s a bunch of existing threads and articles on scopes and features. Read as much as you can on them. Something like the good old SWFA SS fixed 10x would probably work and be a good starting point for now without getting into too much detail. SCOPE RINGS AND MOUNTS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TOO, avoid going cheap. Do your research.

Good luck,
And also contact the instuctor. He can probably guide you on what you need.

I should have done this from the beginning, but here is the course I am taking.
https://www.ktgfirearms.com/shooting-classes/long-range-precision-rifle-1/

I've looked at all of the models you have listed and I only want the Ruger Precision cause it looks amazing haha. I like the Remington 700 because of how modular it is. I looked into buying a customized Remington but they get pricey and at that point, I would just buy a 50 cal but won't be able to shoot it.

I apologize, I also didn't list the optic as a need because I already had already decided on one. I will be using a Swampfox Optics Patriot or Kentucky Long model.

Thank you for the book recommendation and I actually will end up picking this up.

 

[HMRamateur]

I should have done this from the beginning, but here is the course I am taking.
https://www.ktgfirearms.com/shooting-classes/long-range-precision-rifle-1/

I've looked at all of the models you have listed and I only want the Ruger Precision cause it looks amazing haha. I like the Remington 700 because of how modular it is. I looked into buying a customized Remington but they get pricey and at that point, I would just buy a 50 cal but won't be able to shoot it.

I apologize, I also didn't list the optic as a need because I already had already decided on one. I will be using a Swampfox Optics Patriot or Kentucky Long model.

Thank you for the book recommendation and I actually will end up picking this up.

I've never heard of swampfox, so I can't comment on quality, but judging on the price range, it might suit you better to look into a better optic for anything past 1000 yds. I use a Bushnell engage 3-12x44 on my 22lr, around the same price range I believe, and it holds its own out to about 400 yds. Anything past that though leaves more to be desired. The scope is, in my opinion, the first piece of equipment you will outgrow when starting out. My bergara HMR pro has some really nice features and is really easy to shoot, but my savage model 116 is just as accurate. A decent budget rifle will do better than you, longer than a budget scope. Then there's the recoil on a 300 win mag. A lot of scope manufacturers say their scopes can handle anything, but even if you have the best warranty and your scope still fails, you're still waiting for a replacement. If your budget only allows a scope in that price range, or if you've already purchased it, go out and shoot and have a fun time doing it. My cheap Bushnell surprised me at that price point with its clarity. But if you can fit a little more into your budget, it might last you a little longer before you catch the same bug we all have and start pouring all your money into the best guns and optics.

 

[Harman117]

I too have no experience with Swampfox optics. Apparently they claim to have direct connection to one of the “better” OEM scope plants in China and their operation is based on the direct business to customer sales model.

If you’re serious about long range shooting, I would increase your scope budget like previously mentioned and look for a better option. Going with something that’s more of a know quality/performance.

Like previously mentioned, you will come to find that your optic is the more limiting factor.

Decreasing you’re rifle budget and caliber choice MIGHT be a good choice. Instead of ~$1500 on the Ruger Precision rifle in .300 win mag. A Bergara HMR in 6.5 creedmoor (for example) at ~$900 would give you an additional ~$600 towards scope budget, giving you a TON of potentially better options.

Ultimately, still get what you want. What I said is just an option you should at least consider.

 

[King_beardsly]

Hell even if you just bump your scope budget up a little bit you can get into a Nikon fx1000 4-16x50. Sport optics has them on save for $446 or the 6-24x50 for $596. I personally run the 6-24 on a match rifle and it has never held me back on shoots over 1200, it track super good, the glass is shocking good for the price and if you ever needed it they have a great warranty

https://www.sportoptics.com/nikon-black-fx1000-4-16x50-16512.aspx

https://www.sportoptics.com/nikon-black-fx1000-6-24x50-16516.aspx

 

[fdkay]

No need for magnums.
Ruger precision rifle in 6.5 creedmoor.

Ruger Precision Rifle 6.5 CRD 24 10+1

The Ruger Precision Rifle is purpose-built for long-range target work. Some of it's numerous features include: Cold hammer-forged, chrome-moly 1:8 steel barrel with 5R Rifling.

www.budsgunshop.com

Howa KRG:

Howa-Legacy HKRB72503 Bravo Bolt 6.5 CRD 24 10+1 Flat Dark Earth Fixed KRG Bravo Aluminum Chassis Synthetic Stock Black Aluminum

Howa HKRB72503 Bravo Bolt 6.5 Creedmoor 24" 10+1 FDE Fixed KRG Bravo Aluminum Chassis Synthetic Stock Black Aluminum Receiver

www.budsgunshop.com

Midas TAC scope:

Product Description

Product Description | Camera Land NY

cameralandny.com

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

Another vote for avoiding the 300WM. 6.5 Creedmoor can absolutely reach 1400 yards or more as you build skills, and it'll be a whole lot cheaper (ammo AND barrel costs, as 300WM isn't exactly known for long barrel life) and less painful on your shoulder in the long term.

 

[jpspeeddemon]

Mid August is approaching fast, gonna be a little hectic getting everything in and setup PROPERLY.
Hopefully the course you are going to is a true beginner/starter course and they will help you with setting up the rifle and equipment.

Rifle: Don’t go magnum unless you need the stopping power for game. A modern Cartridge like the 6.5 Creedmoor will most likely serve you better. Pretty much anything .308 size will work for your needs (Assumption). Ruger precision rifle, Remington 700, Bergara HMR, Howa 1500, Tikka T3X CTR, etc.. are all solid rifles. You could pick ANY rifle that has adjustable features (length of pull/cheek height as minimum) and heavy barrel with the appropriate twist and be good to go.

For data books/notebooks, I like “Rite in the rain” products as an example. Doesn’t matter that much as I’m sure the instructor will show you how to use and setup. A notebook and pencils will probably be good enough.

Binos/spotting scope: I’d probably get binoculars. With either option try to get a ranging reticle in the units of your scope if possible. (MOA or MILS)

The Cleaning kit/Mat/Sand sock: What ever you want really, some products are designed for specific tasks or competitions. I would try to keep it as simple as possible. A plain mat with no padding, simple relatively small rear bag, and a basic cleaning kit. Do some quick research on any of them to see what most Hide users have and why.

OPTIC?: Not listed as a need, but probably the most important part. Spend as much as budget allows. There’s a bunch of existing threads and articles on scopes and features. Read as much as you can on them. Something like the good old SWFA SS fixed 10x would probably work and be a good starting point for now without getting into too much detail. SCOPE RINGS AND MOUNTS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TOO, avoid going cheap. Do your research.

Good luck,
And also contact the instuctor. He can probably guide you on what you need.

^This is good info that the OP should follow.

I can't emphasize enough that if you're new to long range shooting then do not get a 300wm becasue that's not a good cartridge to learn on. Ammo much more expensive and the recoil is much greater than the short action calibers.

You can't go wrong with a 6.5 creedmoor or 308 for learning. People use the 6.5 creed out past 1,500 yards all the time.

It's odd that your instructor thinks a 300wm is ok for a starter rifle btw.

 

[Bcamos]

As someone that's also fairly new to PRS, I wholeheartedly agree with these guys.

Go with a better optic. You'll find out that shooting out to 400 is extremely easy and you'll quickly want to move out way past that. All optics are not created equal and you may find that something on the lower end of the quality scale has trouble giving you a good image at 1000yds. Not to mention the consistency with tracking, as you're going to want to learn how to dial your dope. Moving parts are always prone to failure, so naturally something that's of lesser quality will have a higher chance of breaking.

Looking cool doesn't mean anything if you can't hit your targets. 300WM is an absolute bear and you're probably not going to want to shoot it for long periods of time. Stick with something like 6.5 or .308 for manageable recoil. Those rounds can still take you out to 1,000 while you're learning the ropes of everything.

I understand that this advice probably isn't what you wanted to hear, but it's what I wish I had been told when I first started. Especially if you plan on doing PRS, get a MIL scope, spend less on the rifle and up your scope budget.

 

[Dtown]

Thank you all for your prompted response. It has given me a lot to think about and I am currently looking at rifles in 308 or 6.5. I've actually done a bit of reading on this forum and thought about building a rifle for the class such as an M40 variant but that probably wouldn't be the best idea.

I personally don't know much about optics myself and the only experience I have had with them are through Swampfox Optics. I've looked into Vortex, Burris, Leupold optics, but at the time, they were too much for me and I went with Swampfox Optics for the price. So far I've been satisfied with the quality of their red dots and LVPO. I will look into other optics option but might stick with Swampfox since its something I trust.

More or less, I'm thinking of getting a rifle I could build from when I get to the point I want to. I've come down to Remington 700, Bergara HMR or a Tikka. Ultimately I'm going to do more research and make a purchase within two weeks but I greatly appreciate everyone and their advice.

 

[Nik S]

Dtown, you're on the right track.
The guys above are going to steer you in a direction that allows you to make the most of your budget. You don't need to spend thousands starting out. There are proven options at $300, $1500, $3000. They all work. Main thing right now is to look at reliable gear in your budget, build skills (awesome on taking a class), stick with it, and the details on why people make those recommendations will start getting clearer over time.

Nik

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

Thank you all for your prompted response. It has given me a lot to think about and I am currently looking at rifles in 308 or 6.5. I've actually done a bit of reading on this forum and thought about building a rifle for the class such as an M40 variant but that probably wouldn't be the best idea.

I personally don't know much about optics myself and the only experience I have had with them are through Swampfox Optics. I've looked into Vortex, Burris, Leupold optics, but at the time, they were too much for me and I went with Swampfox Optics for the price. So far I've been satisfied with the quality of their red dots and LVPO. I will look into other optics option but might stick with Swampfox since its something I trust.

More or less, I'm thinking of getting a rifle I could build from when I get to the point I want to. I've come down to Remington 700, Bergara HMR or a Tikka. Ultimately I'm going to do more research and make a purchase within two weeks but I greatly appreciate everyone and their advice.

Between the ones you listed, I would go with the Bergara. You avoid most of the QC/QA issues that have plagued Remington whil keeping a 700 footprint for aftermarker support for most parts.

 

[King_beardsly]

Nice thing with the bergara is when you burn a barrel out they will spin up a new one and the install for I believe 500

 

[straightshooter1]

Thank you all for your prompted response. It has given me a lot to think about and I am currently looking at rifles in 308 or 6.5. I've actually done a bit of reading on this forum and thought about building a rifle for the class such as an M40 variant but that probably wouldn't be the best idea.

I personally don't know much about optics myself and the only experience I have had with them are through Swampfox Optics. I've looked into Vortex, Burris, Leupold optics, but at the time, they were too much for me and I went with Swampfox Optics for the price. So far I've been satisfied with the quality of their red dots and LVPO. I will look into other optics option but might stick with Swampfox since its something I trust.

More or less, I'm thinking of getting a rifle I could build from when I get to the point I want to. I've come down to Remington 700, Bergara HMR or a Tikka. Ultimately I'm going to do more research and make a purchase within two weeks but I greatly appreciate everyone and their advice.

Well, if you're going out past 1000 yds, like out to 1500, then you'd better go with the 6.5 over the .308. The ballistics are just better for those ranges.

Also, as the saying goes, "you can't hit what you can see," so you'd need to get a good amount of magnification for those long distances.

With precision shooting you'll want to do precision loading to (though you could get by with factory premium loaded ammo like what Federal has).

 

[Who?Me?]

Well, if you're going out past 1000 yds, like out to 1500, then you'd better go with the 6.5 over the .308. The ballistics are just better for those ranges.

Also, as the saying goes, "you can't hit what you can see," so you'd need to get a good amount of magnification for those long distances.

With precision shooting you'll want to do precision loading to (though you could get by with factory premium loaded ammo like what Federal has).

Agreed. The 6.5 ballistics and BC are head and shoulders above the 308 in terms of drop and wind age. 308 rounds tend to peter out about 800 yards. You can shoot longer with a 308 but you will be spending mad money on customization to get there. And the 300 win mag is great, but has limits, particularly in barrel life.
Look at the 6.5 in the PRC, it is the next step up from the 6.5 CM in terms of ballistics. Like going from a 308 win to a 6.5 CM. You could shoot 1500 yards with either a 6.5 CM or a 6.5 PRC, BUT you can are actually much more likely to actually hit the target with the PRC- it is a faster hotter round around 2950-3150 FPS per my research.

Optics- as stated, don’t undervalue you scope. Look at the PX used gear section and try to buy a better scope for about 70% of what the first owner paid.

I took 2 long range courses this summer. I was rather unprepared, and had just zeroed my RPR the day before. And the 2 day course went fine- tho I wish I had prepared better- eg, my fit with the RPR was uncomfortable- my eye relief was too short, etc.
but part of my point is this: ask the instructor if they have a rifle you can rent. Some courses offer this, generally Rem 700s, which is all you need. Will allow you to try out a bolt action in a particular chamber, then use that experience and learning to get a better idea of what you want to spend $$$ on.

Again, look at the PX used section. Guys use and sell these rifles all the time. They have worked out the kinks, and you will have a good used rig for about 70% MSSP.
Last: I’m kind of in the same boat as you- I started a thread “ Help me choose a LR rifle” or something like that. It’s only 2-3 pages, it will show you options that have not been shown on this thread ....

 

[Who?Me?]

 

[Sheldon N]

I personally don't know much about optics myself and the only experience I have had with them are through Swampfox Optics. I've looked into Vortex, Burris, Leupold optics, but at the time, they were too much for me and I went with Swampfox Optics for the price. So far I've been satisfied with the quality of their red dots and LVPO. I will look into other optics option but might stick with Swampfox since its something I trust.

Buy something with a proven track record, that you will actually be able to see well with, that will track reliabily when dialing for distance.

A used scope with a good reputation bought here on the PX will be cheaper than your Swampfox on the long run. You will hang onto it longer because it does what you need to reliably, then if/when you finally go to upgrade you can sell it for close to what you paid for it.

My prediction with the Swampfox is that it's going to not meet your needs and when you sell it you'll lose at least 50% of the purchase price.

 

[Who?Me?]

The importance of What you see through the scope is not as important as the internal pieces, how accurate they are, and how consistent they are. In other words it’s the part you can’t see.

Cheap optics are not as accurate because of less quality parts and engineering on the inside. Also, even really good scopes like Vortx have a reputation for the reticle gradually shifting over time.

I was at REEDS ONDOOR RANGE yesterday- They also sell firearms including tactical rifles, and I was looking at a TIKKA 3X TACTICAL rifle with the scope. In 6.5 CM for about $2000. It has been lightly used and includes a nice scope. The fit and finish on the TIKKA is much better than the fit and finish on my Ruger Precision.

Anyone that is interested in that rifle can call REEDS if they want it. Reeds has a very good rep. They are in in San Jose, California

 

[Jefe's Dope]

Tikka of your choice in 6.5 CM. Consider the KRG Bravo chassis as an upgrade. Athlon ETR or BTR and some decent rings or a Spuhr 20 MOA mount. That will get you going in the right direction w/ affordable, reliable factory ammo available nearly everywhere now. More so than .308 in some big box stores I've observed. Money wise you won't be in too deep, you'll have an excellent platform to build on and all the items I mentioned sells quickly and for top dollar here on the hide if the PRS doesn't take.

*Don't discount the easy going recoil of the 6.5 makes it so nice to shoot for many, many rounds. I've never fatigued from shooting 6.5.

 

[stello1001]

Tikka of your choice in 6.5 CM. Consider the KRG Bravo chassis as an upgrade. Athlon ETR or BTR and some decent rings or a Spuhr 20 MOA mount. That will get you going in the right direction w/ affordable, reliable factory ammo available nearly everywhere now. More so than .308 in some big box stores I've observed. Money wise you won't be in too deep, you'll have an excellent platform to build on and all the items I mentioned sells quickly and for top dollar here on the hide if the PRS doesn't take.

*Don't discount the easy going recoil of the 6.5 makes it so nice to shoot for many, many rounds. I've never fatigued from shooting 6.5.

This is a Howa 1500. Specifically, it is the Howa HCR in 6.5 creedmoor. I am another one who also agrees on not going with a 300 WM. I would steer you towards 6.5 CM or 6 CM, maybe even 6.5 PRC if you're looking for more power and energy. I would advise against rem 700 and tell you to get a Howa or Tikka instead. A bergara would also serve you well.

Good luck!

 

[LongRangeLefty]

I do a LOT of shooting. However, I’m still on a budget. That’s why I went with a .308 RPR. I have 4000 rounds on this barrel and am still shooting 1/2 moa and banging steel out at 1000 no problem at all. Glass is a SWFA 20x42 which is quality and rugged

 

[Dtown]

Agreed. The 6.5 ballistics and BC are head and shoulders above the 308 in terms of drop and wind age. 308 rounds tend to peter out about 800 yards. You can shoot longer with a 308 but you will be spending mad money on customization to get there. And the 300 win mag is great, but has limits, particularly in barrel life.
Look at the 6.5 in the PRC, it is the next step up from the 6.5 CM in terms of ballistics. Like going from a 308 win to a 6.5 CM. You could shoot 1500 yards with either a 6.5 CM or a 6.5 PRC, BUT you can are actually much more likely to actually hit the target with the PRC- it is a faster hotter round around 2950-3150 FPS per my research.

Optics- as stated, don’t undervalue you scope. Look at the PX used gear section and try to buy a better scope for about 70% of what the first owner paid.

I took 2 long range courses this summer. I was rather unprepared, and had just zeroed my RPR the day before. And the 2 day course went fine- tho I wish I had prepared better- eg, my fit with the RPR was uncomfortable- my eye relief was too short, etc.
but part of my point is this: ask the instructor if they have a rifle you can rent. Some courses offer this, generally Rem 700s, which is all you need. Will allow you to try out a bolt action in a particular chamber, then use that experience and learning to get a better idea of what you want to spend $$$ on.

Again, look at the PX used section. Guys use and sell these rifles all the time. They have worked out the kinks, and you will have a good used rig for about 70% MSSP.
Last: I’m kind of in the same boat as you- I started a thread “ Help me choose a LR rifle” or something like that. It’s only 2-3 pages, it will show you options that have not been shown on this thread ....

Thank you for this information. I talked to an old friend and he going let me use his rifle for the course.